TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- This could be the opportunity that Alabama senior wide receiver Brandon Gibson has been waiting for.

Neither Duron Carter nor Danny Woodson Jr. was on the 105-man roster that was released Sunday. Carter still is trying to clear an academic hurdle regarding his junior college transfer. Last Friday, Alabama coach Nick Saban said Woodson could be in camp later depending on "other situations."

Star Julio Jones is gone to the NFL. Senior Darius Hanks must sit out the Crimson Tide's first two games because he played in one game during a redshirt freshman season.

"I'm going to try to take advantage of every opportunity I have," Gibson said after Monday's practice.

"Not to take away from anybody else, I'm coming out every day and working hard. It's my last year. It could be my last year to play football. I'm just coming out with a great attitude and leaving it all on the field."

There are ways for Gibson contribute beyond catching passes or even appearing in games.

"I think I'm getting better with my leadership skills," the former UMS-Wright standout said. "I think it's well known ... that I come out every day and I give 100 percent. Just coming out with the right mentality, the right focus. I'm just trying to lead the younger guys. I'm one of the seniors in the group, so I just do my best to bring some of the young guys along."

One of the young guys is redshirt freshman DeAndrew White, who seems to be turning heads.

Alabama wide receiver DeAndrew WhiteDeAndrew White has drawn strong praise from Alabama early in the preseason. Here are some clips of him at practice Monday afternoon. (Video | Izzy Gould)

"He's a great guy," Gibson said. "He's very fast. He's got a lot of ability. He's a guy that can make some big plays for us. We kind of help each other out. We can sustain through practice a lot longer than most guys can. He's in great shape. He's a great player. I look up to him as a great player, even as a younger guy. He keeps me going as well."

How are the other young receivers doing?

"Honestly, I've seen some of the young guys impress me," Gibson said. "Some of the freshmen coming in, they've still got a lot to learn, but they've been competing very well. But as far as other guys that have been here, they're doing a great job to come in. It's demanding. It's hot. You've got coaches yelling at you. Between me, (Marquis) Maze and Hanks, we've got to be the leaders for those guys and keep them going.

Gibson was asked about true freshmen Marvin Shinn and Brad Sylve.

"They're young guys," Gibson said. "They have a lot to learn. Melvin's a smart guy. Sylve's a smart guy as well. They're freshmen. They've still got a lot to learn. I'm trying to lead them in the right direction. When they ask questions, you want to give them the right answers."